What is your opinion on x-rays?

[angelbaby's mom]

This is Grace's second litter (she is due 3/17). For her first, I had an x-ray done on day 45, just so I would know how many to expect, since it was my first delivery on my own, without my mentor. Plus, I am a planner to a fault.

When I called my vet to schedule an x-ray for next week, again, on day 45, she advised me against it. She said unless I thought there might be a problem, I should not expose the pups to the radiation.

Do you agree with this? I certainly want what is best for the pups, and Grace, but I hate not knowing how many little ones to expect.

[JuzMe]

Originally Posted by angelbaby's mom

This is Grace's second litter (she is due 3/17). For her first, I had an x-ray done on day 45, just so I would know how many to expect, since it was my first delivery on my own, without my mentor. Plus, I am a planner to a fault.

When I called my vet to schedule an x-ray for next week, again, on day 45, she advised me against it. She said unless I thought there might be a problem, I should not expose the pups to the radiation.

Do you agree with this? I certainly want what is best for the pups, and Grace, but I hate not knowing how many little ones to expect.

I would just wait until a few days before her due date that way you will be able to see how big the pups appear to be and you can see how many.
It is best to wait and it would be of more benefit to you if you wait til closer due date.

Juzme

[YorkieRose]

Xrays are a very helpful tool...but at 45 days you can telll very little...I wait until 57 days...Ideally 58 59...

[angelbaby's mom]

Originally Posted by YorkieRose

Xrays are a very helpful tool...but at 45 days you can telll very little...I wait until 57 days...Ideally 58 59...

Does that pose less of a risk to pups & mom? Waiting until day 58?

[ChestersMom]

Well, I had Chloe x-rayed on day 61, showed four pups, very clearly; one appeared to be in or close to the birth canal. Imagine my surprise when pup number five popped out.

Just let it be a surprise mom. I'd rather see you x-ray her afterwards to make sure all came out safely.

Good luck on your delivery!

[kalina82]

the chances of one x-ray effecting the pups is slim to none. IMO its safer to do the x-ray so you'll know what to expect.

[angelbaby's mom]

Originally Posted by kalina82

the chances of one x-ray effecting the pups is slim to none. IMO its safer to do the x-ray so you'll know what to expect.

That's my thought. But I will wait until day 58 or 59, as Pat & others suggested.

[BamaFan121s]

I think an x-ray or a sonar is a HUGE benefit. It give you a good indication of how many to expect. Not always 100% accurate....
More importantly, it will give you a heads up if any of the pups look too big to deliver naturally.
If you know ahead of time that a c-section is going to be needed, well, a planned c-section on yours and the vets terms is much better than an emergency trip.

[YorkieRose]

The reason vets wait is because the spines have not formed well enough to show up clearly. An xray is only as good as the person reading it...all you can see are tiny spines and the faint outlines of the skull..if done too soon, you can miss small ones...

[txshopper73]

save your money on the sonos. Had one with Gracie and her first litter. Vet said 1 pup...she spit out 4. X-rays are so much more accurate.